U.S. patent application number 13/189031 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-26 for enteral feeding connector and assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Medela Holding AG. Invention is credited to Brian H. Silver.
Application Number | 20120022457 13/189031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45494190 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120022457 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Silver; Brian H. |
January 26, 2012 |
Enteral Feeding Connector and Assembly
Abstract
A connector for use with a syringe or extension tubing, such as
an enteral feeding syringe or tubing, is provided. The connector
has features to effectively secure a syringe or extension tubing
with the connector without contamination from a user.
Inventors: |
Silver; Brian H.; (Cary,
IL) |
Assignee: |
Medela Holding AG
Baar
CH
|
Family ID: |
45494190 |
Appl. No.: |
13/189031 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61367228 |
Jul 23, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/187 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 15/0026 20130101;
A61J 15/00 20130101; A61M 39/1011 20130101; A61J 1/2072 20150501;
A61M 2039/1027 20130101; A61M 2039/1094 20130101; A61M 2039/1033
20130101; A61J 1/2055 20150501; A61J 1/2096 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/187 |
International
Class: |
A61M 5/31 20060101
A61M005/31 |
Claims
1. An enteral feeding system comprising: a connector having a first
end, a second end, an exterior sidewall, a conduit within said
connector between said first and second ends, and a first part of a
locking mechanism, said connector including an element for
attaching said first end to an enteral tube and an orifice at said
second end; and a syringe having said tip, with a wall surrounding
said tip forming a well, and a second part of a locking mechanism
formed adjacent said tip on said wall; wherein a syringe tube
inserted within said orifice communicates with said conduit, and
said first and second parts of said locking mechanism engage to
releasably lock said connector to said syringe.
2. The enteral feeding system of claim 1, wherein said conduit is
surrounded by said exterior sidewall but is accessible at said ends
within said exterior sidewall.
3. The enteral feeding system of claim 1, wherein said exterior of
said syringe is is handled by a user when said user attaches said
tube to said syringe, and said conduit is generally protected
against contact by a user.
4. The enteral feeding system of claim 1, wherein said first part
of said locking mechanism is a protrusion on said exterior, and
said second part of said locking mechanism is a groove formed on
said well within which said first part slidably fits.
5. The enteral feeding system of claim 1, wherein said locking
mechanism is a latch engaging within a receptacle.
6. The enteral feeding system of claim 1, wherein said locking
mechanism comprises a positive latching arrangement which when
engaged prevents disengagement of said connector without radial
movement of part of said locking mechanism relative to another
part.
7. A connector assembly for use with a syringe comprising: a tube
comprising a first end and a second end and an exterior, said first
end being adapted to receive a syringe tip and said second end
being adapted to attach to tubing; a gripping portion on said
exterior of said tube and an attachment portion on said tube;
wherein said attachment portion comprises a first part of a locking
feature; and a second part of said locking feature is provided on
said syringe adjacent a syringe tip, wherein said parts of said
locking feature mate in other than an interference fit to attach
said connector to said syringe.
8. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein said attachment
portion has a protrusion extending around said exterior of said
tube forming said first part of said locking feature, said second
part of said locking feature being a groove within which said
protrusion mates.
9. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein said first and second
parts are matching screw threads.
10. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein said attachment
portion has a latch formed thereon as said first part of said
locking feature, and said syringe has a latch receptacle formed
thereon as said second part of said locking feature, said latch and
said receptacle engaging to prevent disengagement of said connector
by simple axial force.
11. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein said first end has a
female receptacle adapted to receive said syringe tip, and said
second end has a nipple for receiving tubing thereon, and said
female receptacle and said nipple are located axially inboard
relative to respective tube ends.
12. The connector assembly of claim 8, wherein said first end has a
female receptacle adapted to receive said syringe tip, and said
second end has a nipple for receiving tubing thereon, and said
female receptacle and said nipple are located axially inboard
relative to respective tube ends.
13. The connector assembly of claim 9, wherein said first end has a
female receptacle adapted to receive said syringe tip, and said
second end has a nipple for receiving tubing thereon, and said
female receptacle and said nipple are located axially inboard
relative to respective tube ends.
14. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein said first end has
a female receptacle adapted to receive said syringe tip, and said
second end has a nipple for receiving tubing thereon, and said
female receptacle and said nipple are located axially inboard
relative to respective tube ends.
15. A connector assembly for connecting a fluid delivery container
to tubing, comprising: a connector body having a conduit formed
thereon through which fluid will travel, said body having a first
end having an inlet adapted to connect with an outlet of the
container, and a second end having a part adapted to connect with
tubing; and a locking mechanism having a first part formed on said
body and a second part formed adjacent said container outlet, said
first and second parts of said locking mechanism engaging in a
positive lock which cannot be disengaged by simple axial pulling
force applied between said parts.
16. The connector assembly of claim 15, wherein the fluid delivery
container is a device of an enteral feeding system.
17. The connector assembly of claim 15, wherein said body has a
protrusion extending around the exterior of said body forming said
first part of said locking mechanism, said second part of said
locking mechanism being a groove formed in a well surrounding said
container outlet within which said protrusion mates.
18. The connector assembly of claim 17, wherein said first and
second parts are matching screw threads.
19. The connector assembly of claim 15, wherein one of said body
and said container has a latch formed thereon as said first part of
said locking feature, and the other of said body and said container
has a latch receptacle formed thereon as said second part of said
locking feature, said latch and said receptacle engaging to prevent
disengagement of said connector by simple axial force.
20. The connector assembly of claim 16, wherein said first end has
a female receptacle adapted to receive a syringe tip, and said
second end has a nipple for receiving tubing thereon, and said
female receptacle and said nipple are located axially inboard
relative to ends of said body.
21. An enteral feeding system comprising: a connector having a
first end, a second end, an exterior sidewall, a conduit within
said connector between said first and second ends, said connector
including an element for attaching said first end to an enteral
tube and an orifice at said second end; and a syringe having a tip,
with a wall surrounding said tip forming a well, said wall defining
an exterior surface; wherein said exterior of said syringe is
handled by a user when said user attaches said connector to said
syringe, and wherein said syringe tip, when inserted within said
orifice communicates with said conduit.
22. The enteral feeding system of claim 21, wherein said syringe
tip is inserted into said orifice at said second end of said
connector and remains fixed within said orifice with a slip fit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/367,228 filed Jul. 23, 2010,
entitled "Enteral Feeding Connector and Assembly", the contents of
which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to tubing
connectors, and more particularly in one aspect to an enteral
feeding assembly including an improved syringe and connector.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Fluid delivery systems, such as feeding tubes, are used to
deliver nutrients and medicine to patients. The state of being fed
by a feeding tube is known in the art as enteral feeding or tube
feeding.
[0004] As an example, in a neo-natal unit, infants are often fed
enterally. A tube is inserted in the mouth or nasal opening of the
infant and through the esophagus for delivery of the fluid to is
the stomach or intestinal region of the body. In this example,
breast milk or formula are delivered by syringe into an enteral
delivery system, such as an enteral tube, for delivery into the
infant's stomach. However, enteral feeding systems can also be for
pediatric or adult use. Sometimes a peristaltic pump is used to
deliver fluids from a feeding bag.
[0005] Bacterial contamination of enteral feeding equipment is a
problem. Although current American Society for Parenteral and
Enteral Nutrition ("ASPEN") guidelines tell care givers to use
gloves when handling enteral feeding connections, often these
guidelines are not followed, and contamination can occur due to
handling of the feeding components by a care giver. The care giver
may compromise either the tube or the syringe tip by touching those
parts, as the care giver attempts to attach the tube to the syringe
tip, for instance. However, contamination is not limited to the
hands of a care giver, as anything that touches the tube or syringe
tip can potentially contaminate either part. Luer lock connection
devices have been used to connect two parts to each other, for
example. A luer lock typically comprises a screw or thread lock
mechanism used to axially fit a male part within a female part to
secure two parts to each other. These parts are typically exposed
to being handled by the user.
[0006] Furthermore, a lack of air circulation and fluid draining
areas in the fluid delivery system may promote bacterial
growth.
[0007] A contaminated enteral feeding system may lead to problems
for the patient, resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, pneumonia,
urinary tract infections, septicaemia, as well as gastrointestinal
infections or weight loss of the patient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An improved connector for use with a syringe, enteral
feeding tube, or extension set is is provided. The connector
comprises a tube with a first end, a second end, and an exterior
surface. The connector defines a gripping portion on the exterior
of the tube and an attachment portion. The gripping portion is
designed to protect the ends of the connector, and thus the liquid
path, from being touched or otherwise compromised.
[0009] In another aspect, the attachment portion has a locking
feature, which positively attaches the connector to the syringe.
That is, the locking feature is more than a typical interference
engagement or luer lock.
[0010] In an embodiment, a connector for use with a complementary
syringe is provided. A connector tube has a first end and a second
end and an exterior. The tube contains a conduit therein, and has a
portion(s) so as to protect against contact with the conduit ends
by a user. An attachment portion of the connector tube has a
locking feature, and the locking feature attaches the connector to
the syringe. The locking feature in various embodiments is a
threaded engagement, or a latching connection. In the latching
engagement, the connector tube cannot be disengaged except by
moving the latch, i.e., the connector tube cannot be simply pulled
free.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, a connector for use with a
complementary syringe is provided. A connector tube has a first end
and a second end and an exterior. The connector contains a conduit
therein, and has a gripping part spaced from the conduit so as to
protect against contact with the conduit ends by a user. An
attachment portion of the connector tube attaches the connector to
the syringe, as by way of a slip or interference fit.
[0012] These and other aspects, objects, and accomplishments of the
present invention will be further understood upon consideration of
the following detailed description of certain embodiments, taken in
conjunction with the below drawings depicting various embodiments,
in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with
reference to the following drawings, wherein like numerals denote
like parts.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an enteral feeding
system;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inventive connector that
may be used with the enteral feeding system illustrated in FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a partial, perspective view of the second end of a
syringe, such as the syringe of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the connector
of FIG. 2 within the syringe of FIG. 3, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembled syringe and
connector of FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement
of a connector;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement
of a connector;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a partial, perspective view of an alternative
arrangement of a syringe, such as the syringe of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 9 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the connector
of FIG. 7 within the syringe of FIG. 8, in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the assembled syringe and
connector of FIG. 9;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement
of a connector;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a partial, perspective view of the proximal end
of another syringe;
[0026] FIG. 13 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the
connector of FIG. 11 within the syringe of FIG. 12, in accordance
with exemplary embodiments;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the assembled syringe and
connector of FIG. 13;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
for a connector;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment for a connector; and
[0030] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of yet another alternative
embodiment for a connector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The connector and assembly of the present invention will be
described herein for use with an enteral feeding tube, but it is
contemplated that the connector assembly of the present invention
can be used in any device that may benefit from this type of
connector.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical enteral feeding
system 100, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. Enteral
feeding system 100 has a syringe 110 and a tube 120. Syringe 110
has a distal end 112, a proximal end 114, and a plunger 118. At
proximal end 114 is a syringe tip 116. Tubing 120 has a first end
122 and a second end 124. In this system 100, first end 122 of tube
120 and syringe tip 116 may be removably secured together. To
secure syringe tip 116 to first end 122 of tube 120, syringe tip
116 is manually inserted into first end 122 of tube 120.
[0033] The direct manipulation of both syringe tip 116 and first
end 122 of tube 120 can result in exposure to contamination.
Because fluid flows from syringe 110 and through tube 120 into a
patient, if either syringe tip 116 or first end 122 of tube 120 are
contaminated, a patient may be exposed to the contamination.
Similarly, exposure of syringe tip 116 or tube 120 to the
environment alone can result in contamination of the fluid that
flows through either piece. Furthermore, the simple interference
fit of the tubing 120 on the syringe tip can be easily, and
unintentionally, disengaged.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connector 200 of the
present invention that may be used with an enteral feeding system
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Connector 200 has an
exterior surface 210, a first end 202, a second end 204, and at
least one vent 205. The exterior surface 210 includes two portions:
an attachment portion 212 and a gripping portion 214.
[0035] Attachment portion 212 has an interior surface 213 with a
sidewall 218 that defines an aperture 215 with an internal conduit
216. Internal conduit 216 may take the shape of a tube with a bore
defined therethrough. Internal conduit 216 extends through
attachment portion 212 and gripping portion 214, and serves as a
conduit for conducting fluids. The bore of internal conduit 216 is
sized to match an outer diameter of a syringe tip, such as that of
the syringe described below and shown in FIG. 3. Thus, internal
conduit 216 serves as a female connector, sized to receive a
syringe tip at first end 202. Second end 204 is shown flared
outwardly to surround a nipple 206 (shown in FIG. 4), which will
receive an enteral tube 120 end thereon.
[0036] The at least one vent 205 serves to keep the inside of
connector 200 dry, for instance, if liquid has leaked into the
connector. By keeping the inside of connector 200 dry, bacterial
growth may be inhibited.
[0037] In one embodiment, exterior surface 210 of attachment
portion 212 may have a locking feature 220. In this embodiment,
locking feature 220 may comprise a protrusion or flange that
extends circumferentially about part of exterior surface 210,
although the protrusion may extend at an angle in relation to the
circumference (like a screw thread). Locking feature 220 is sized
and shaped to correspond with a groove of the interior surface of
the syringe, as hereafter described.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a partial, perspective view of the proximal end of
a syringe 300, like the syringe 110 of FIG. 1. As can be seen in
FIG. 3, at the proximal end 302 of syringe 300 is a shroud 311
comprising an interior surface 310 that defines a well 312.
Interior surface 310 of shroud 311 also comprises screw threads 314
that turn along the interior circumference of well 312 to define a
spiral groove 316. A syringe tip 320 extends within well 312, but
does not extend as far as proximal end 302. In an alternative
embodiment, syringe tip 320 may extend as far or further than
proximal end 302. Shroud 311 may be integrally molded as part of
syringe 300, or in the alternative shroud 311 may be manufactured
as a separate part that is later attached to syringe 300.
[0039] In an alternative configuration, no locking feature is
present on connector 200, and connector 200 may simply fit within
syringe 300 by way of a slip or interference fit. This will be
further discussed with respect to FIGS. 16-18 and their "no-touch"
aspect.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 2
assembled with the syringe of FIG. 3, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembly
of FIG. 4.
[0041] To assemble connector 200 with syringe 300, aperture 215 is
aligned with the well 312 of syringe 300. Connector 200 is then
pushed into syringe well 312, and rotated until the protrusion that
comprises locking feature 220 is properly aligned with groove 316.
In an alternative embodiment, instead of one protrusion, there
could be a plurality of protrusions. Preferably, two protrusions
are present. In yet another alternative embodiment, a protrusion
that is a continuous thread around the circumference of connector
200 may be present. Once the protrusion is aligned within groove
316, connector 200 continues to be rotated, and the protrusion
moves along the path of groove 316, allowing connector 200 to move
axially in the is direction shown by arrow 230. The cross-sectional
view in FIG. 4 shows the protrusion that comprises locking feature
220 fully engaged within groove 316, effectively locking connector
200 to syringe 300. A separating wall 330 within syringe 300 may
operate as a stop point, or the diameters of the syringe tip 320
and sidewall 218 of interior conduit 216 may be such as to engage
to effectively stop further axial movement. The connector may later
be dismantled from the syringe by rotating the connector 200 in the
opposite direction as it was inserted.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, separating wall 330 of syringe 300
separates a connecting chamber 340 with a fluid chamber 350.
Connecting chamber 340 comprises the space defined by well 312.
Within fluid chamber 350 is a stopper 360. Fluid contained within
fluid chamber 350 is pressed downward, toward separating wall as by
a plunger 118, until stopper 360 abuts separating wall 330. As the
fluid is pushed toward separating wall 330, the fluid is forced
through tip 320 of syringe 300, and then through conduit 216 of
connector 200. In turn, with nipple 206 of connector 200 connected
to a tube 120, the fluid continues to flow through tube 120 until
it reaches the patient.
[0043] Because a user only touches gripping portion 214 to push
connector 200 into syringe 300, the user need not ever touch
internal conduit 216, keeping internal conduit 216 free from
user-carried contamination. In addition, because conduit 216 lies
within connector 200, conduit 216 is also less exposed to the
environment while being attached to syringe 300. Similarly, syringe
tip 320 lies within connecting chamber 340 and thus a user should
not touch syringe tip 320 when attaching a connector to the
syringe; likewise, syringe tip 320 will be less exposed to the
environment when attached to a connector.
[0044] FIG. 6 is an alternate embodiment of a connector, such as
the connector of FIG. 2. In FIG. 6, a ring 207 may be present on
gripping portion 214, below vents 205. Ring 207 may serve as an
additional gripping feature.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement
of a connector 400 that may be used with an enteral feeding system.
Connector 400 includes an exterior surface 410, a first end 402,
and a second end 404. The exterior surface 410 is comprised of two
portions: an attachment portion 412 and a gripping portion 414.
[0046] Attachment portion 412 includes a collar 411 that extends
axially from the exterior surface 410, a conduit 416, and a
plurality of walls 419. Conduit 416 may take the shape of a tube
with a bore defined therethrough. Conduit 416 extends through
attachment portion 412 and gripping portion 414, and serves to
conduct fluids therethrough. The bore of conduit 416 is sized to
match an outer diameter of a syringe tip, such as the syringe 500
described below and shown in FIG. 8. Thus, conduit 416 serves as a
female connector end at first end 402, sized to receive a syringe
tip.
[0047] The exterior surface 410 of attachment portion 412 comprises
a locking feature 420 (FIG. 9). In this embodiment, locking feature
420 comprises at least one flange 413 (here there are two),
protruding substantially orthogonally from collar 411, each having
an end 415. Each flange 413 has a ledge or shoulder 417 and a
tapered portion or tab 418 near end 415. The taper of the tab 418
decreases in thickness as the tapered portion approaches end 415.
The thickest part of tab 418 is at ledge 417.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a partial, perspective view of the proximal end of
a syringe 500. As can be seen in FIG. 8, at the proximal end 502 of
syringe 500 is a well 512, defined by an interior surface 510.
Interior surface 510 surrounds a syringe tip 520 that extends
within well 512, but does not extend as far as proximal end 502. In
an alternative embodiment, tip 520 may extend up to proximal end
502 or past the proximal end. Syringe 500 also comprises an
exterior surface 530. Exterior surface 530 has at least one flange
receptacle 540. Here, there are two receptacles 540, which are
U-shaped. Each receptacle 540 includes a slot 542 and a top surface
544, which will engage the shoulder 417, as will be described.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 7
assembled with the syringe of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a perspective view
of the assembly of FIG. 9.
[0050] To assemble connector 400 with syringe 500, conduit 416 is
aligned with the well 512 of syringe 500. As connector 400 is
pushed into well 512, the tapered portion 418 of each flange 413
passes through the slot 542 in each receptacle 540. The taper
comprises the smallest thickness when end 415 passes through slot
542. The taper presses the tab radially. After shoulder 417 passes
through slot 542, the bottom surface of the shoulder 417 snaps over
the top surface 544 of the receptacle 540.
[0051] These flanges 413 effectively lock connector 200 to syringe
300. Connector 400 is pushed axially in the direction of arrow 532,
that is, toward a separating wall 550 within syringe 500. The
flanges must be moved axially to disengage the connector 400.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 9, separating wall 550 of syringe 500
separates a connecting chamber 560 with a fluid chamber 570.
Connecting chamber 560 comprises the space defined by aperture 512.
Within fluid chamber 570 is a stopper 580 of a plunger. Fluid
contained within fluid chamber 570 is pressed downward, toward
separating wall 550, until the stopper 580 abuts separating wall
550. As the fluid is pushed toward separating wall 550, it is
forced through tip 520 of syringe 500, and then through conduit 416
of connector 400. In turn, a nipple formed on first end 402 of
connector 400 is connected to an enteral tube, through which the
fluid flows until it reaches the patient.
[0053] By using gripping portion 514 to push connector 400 into
syringe 500, a user does not is need to touch conduit 416, thus
keeping conduit 416 free from user-carried contamination.
Similarly, syringe tip 520 lies within well 512, and is likewise
protected from user-contact. Walls 419 and flanges 413 keep a
user's fingers from contacting the conduit 416.
[0054] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement
of a connector 600 that may be used with an enteral feeding system.
Connector 600 includes an exterior surface 610, a first end 602,
and a second end 604, and defines an attachment portion 612 and a
gripping portion 614.
[0055] Attachment portion 612 includes a collar 611 that extends
axially from the exterior surface 610, and a conduit 616. Conduit
616 may take the shape of a tube with a bore defined therethrough.
Conduit 616 extends through attachment portion 612 and gripping
portion 614, and serves to conduct fluids therethrough. The bore of
conduit 616 is sized to match an outer diameter of a syringe tip,
such as the syringe described below and shown in FIG. 12. Thus,
conduit 616 serves as a female connector end, sized to receive a
syringe tip.
[0056] The exterior surface 610 of attachment portion 612 has a
locking feature 620. In this embodiment, locking feature 620
comprises an extension 613 protruding substantially orthogonally
from collar 611, and having an end 615. Locking feature 620 also
comprises a flange receptacle 615 having opposed sidewalls 617
which parallel the extension 613, and a top edge piece 619.
[0057] FIG. 12 is a partial, perspective view of the proximal end
of a syringe 700, such as the type of syringe of the type of FIG.
1. As can be seen in FIG. 12, however, at the proximal end 702 of
syringe 700 is a well 712, defined by an interior surface 710. A
syringe tip 720 extends within well 712, but does not extend as far
as proximal end 702. Syringe 700 also has an exterior surface 730.
Exterior surface 730 comprises at least one protruding flange 754;
here there are two, on opposite sides. In addition, a flange 754
extends along the side of the exterior surface 730, connected
thereto by a section 752. Section 752 extends generally
orthogonally from exterior surface 730 at or near proximal end 702.
The flange 754 extends generally orthogonally from first section
752, toward the distal end of syringe 700, and can flex relative to
the exterior surface 730.
[0058] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG.
11 assembled with the syringe of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a perspective
view of the assembly of FIG. 13.
[0059] To assemble connector 600 with syringe 700, aperture 616 is
aligned with the well 712 of syringe 700. As connector 600 is
pushed into well 712, the extension 613 contacts the flange 754,
which fits and travels within the flange receptacle 615, framed by
the sidewalls 617 and edge piece 619. Flange 754 travels within the
receptacle until engaging in a snap fit with the bottom of top edge
piece 619 along shoulder 755 of the flange 754. Here, like the
previous embodiment, a user must push the flange out of engagement
in order to remove the connector 600.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 13, separating wall 760 of syringe 500
separates a connecting chamber 770 with a fluid chamber 780. Within
fluid chamber 780 is a stopper 790 of a plunger. Fluid contained
within fluid chamber 780 is pressed downward, toward separating
wall 760, until the stopper 790 abuts separating wall 760. As the
fluid is pushed toward separating wall 760, it is forced through
tip 720 of syringe 700, and then through conduit 616 of connector
600. In turn, a nipple formed on end 602 of connector 600 is
connected to an enteral feeding tube, through which the fluid flows
until it reaches the patient.
[0061] Because a user need only touch gripping portion 614 to push
connector 600 into syringe 700, the user does not ever have to
touch conduit 616, keeping conduit 616 free from
user-contamination. Similarly, syringe tip 720 lies within well
712, and thus a user need not touch syringe tip 720 when attaching
a connector to the syringe, protecting tip 720.
[0062] Instead of attaching to a syringe, connectors 200, 400, and
600 may attach to an extension set or extension tubing.
[0063] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment for a connector 900. Connector 900 has an exterior
surface 910 and an aperture 915 defining an internal conduit 916
that extends from a first end 902 to a second end 904. Internal
conduit 916 may take the shape of a tube with a bore defined
therethrough.
[0064] Attachment features, such as the attachment features
described with relation to FIGS. 2, 7, and 11 may be present on
connector 900. As an example, connector 900 is shown with a locking
mechanism 920, which is identical to locking mechanism 220 as
defined with relation to FIG. 2.
[0065] As seen in FIG. 15, a plurality of axially extending ribs
922 are present around the circumference of exterior surface 910.
These ribs may be gripped by the user when manipulating connector
900. A user handling the connector thus need not contact the ends,
reducing the risk of contaminating the conduit 916.
[0066] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment for a connector 950. Connector 950 has an exterior
surface 960 and an aperture 965 defining an internal conduit 966
that extends from a first end 970 to a second end 972. Internal
conduit 966 may take the shape of a tube with a bore defined
therethrough.
[0067] As seen in FIG. 16, a plurality of protrusions 974 extend
along the length of connector 950, in the form of longitudinal
ribs. Protrusions 974 may extend from first end 970 to near second
end 972, or may be shorter. Any of these protrusions may be gripped
by the user when manipulating connector 950. A user handling the
connector thus need not contact the ends, reducing the risk of
contaminating the conduit 966. In this embodiment, attachments are
made through a standard interference (slip) fit, as the novel
aspect here is the "no-touch" feature.
[0068] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment for a connector 980. Connector 980 has an exterior
surface 990 and an aperture 995 defining an internal conduit 996
that extends from a first end 998 to a second end 999. Internal
conduit 996 may take the shape of a tube with a bore defined
therethrough. The connector 980 does not comprise a novel
attachment feature, but instead has a novel grip portion 982.
Connector 980 is attached to a via slip or interference fits.
[0069] Various exemplary embodiments and methods have been
described above. Those skilled in the art will understand, however,
that changes and modifications may be made to those examples
without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention. Additional and/or different features may be present in
some embodiments of the present invention.
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